Pruning rhododendrons: when and how?

Rhododendrons enchant us with their lush flowers. But when and how do you cut them correctly to achieve the best possible flowering?

Rhododendrons (rhododendron) can be found everywhere – in gardens, parks and even in the great outdoors. The violet, pink and white flowers are particularly popular and attract everyone's attention in spring. The evergreen shrub of the heather family (Ericaceae) usually grows well without heavy pruning. At certain times, a suitable grooming cut can still be useful. We will show you what needs to be considered for a perfect rhododendron cut.

Pruning rhododendrons: the right time

The ideal time to cut rhododendrons always depends on the particular concern. A pruning to bring the sprawling shrub back into shape is best done after flowering from May to June. If the rhododendron needs to be pruned back more due to internal bareness, you should Do this before flowering in autumn or spring so that no nesting birds are disturbed when pruning will.

Cut rhododendrons after flowering

Slight pruning after flowering is a suitable method of trimming the rhododendron into shape and removing diseased and overhanging shoots. Ideally, carry out the pruning immediately after flowering (May to mid-June). When pruning a rhododendron, pay attention to the following things:

• Use clean and sharp secateurs
• Cut after a shoot branching
• Set the cut slightly at an angle
• Wear gloves when pruning
• Removal of all diseased, injured and protruding shoots
• Do not injure already formed buds

Since the dormant buds are just below the leaf tuft, the cut is made just behind them. The cut is made at an angle so that water can run off the cut surface better. Next year's buds are laid right after flowering, so you need to be extra careful. Try not to injure any buds when pruning, so that you can enjoy the flowers again next year. This works best with smaller rose scissors. Also, make sure your chosen gardening tool is clean and sharp at all times to avoid disease transmission and minimal damage to the shoot. However, the next bloom is not the only reason to proceed cautiously: from March to the end September is breeding season for native birds and they'll be happy to nest in your rhododendron too comfortable. Therefore, larger cuts must be postponed to autumn or spring - this is also required by law. In addition, rhododendrons are poisonous - so always wear gloves.

Cutting rhododendrons: Instructions in 5 steps

In the winter months, when the nesting season is over, heavier cutting work can be carried out on the bush. A heavy pruning of the rhododendron is carried out when:

• the plant is bare from the inside. This way more light comes inside and your rhododendron grows beautifully branched and bushy.
• the plant has been pruned incorrectly or badly damaged over the years and is to be brought back into shape with a rejuvenation pruning.

It makes no difference whether you cut back in autumn from October or in spring around February. Only danger of frost should not prevail. However, rhododendrons tolerate pruning differently. Grafted plants usually have a problem with heavy pruning, whereas ungrafted plants tolerate pruning right down to the old wood. In addition, it sometimes takes several years for the plant to grow back to its old form. You should also not expect flowering in the first two years. If a strong pruning should nevertheless become necessary, proceed as follows:

1. Use clean and sharp tools
2. Place the cut directly after a shoot branching
3. Make the cut at a slight angle
4. wear gloves
5. Leave at least half a meter

Information on how to make your Caring for rhododendrons should be found here in our special article.

These products are ideal for trimming your shrubs, hedges and trees:

• Felco secateurs: Manual lace pruning shears recommended for all types of pruning. In addition to plastic-coated handles, it has a precision adjustment system for the blade and anvil.
• Felco fruit tree and secateurs: Heavy duty fruit tree and secateurs with wire cutter, sap groove and micrometer adjustment.
• Gardena telescopic arm scissors: Practical pruning shears for effortless cutting of tall trees and dense shrubs from the ground.